Meet the Artisan: Oliver Farm
Welcome to the very first edition of our new "Meet the Artisan" series! We'll be introducing you to the artisans, makers, farmers and more who create the products you love, right here in Georgia. We hope you'll enjoy getting to know them, just like having a chat with a vendor at your local farmers' market.
To kick off the series, we're excited to interview Clay Oliver. Clay is the farmer behind Oliver Farm, makers of award-winning artisan oils and the fantastic Pecan Flour featured in our August subscription box.
Hi Clay! Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and your family.
"My name is Clay Oliver. I am a fifth generation farmer from Pitts, GA. My wife, Valerie, and I have two girls. Maggie is the oldest and is ten. Mollie is eight. We make cold pressed, unrefined, non-GMO oils and gluten-free flours. We press and bottle everything here on our GA Centennial Farm. Oliver Farm is a family farm. My mother Jurice, and brother Clint Oliver focus on the row crop and cattle operation."
When did you launch your company? Tell us why you decided to launch.
"During the midst of the economic downturn beginning in 2008, I began researching the possibility of on-farm biofuel production. By 2012, I had decided to try making cold pressed culinary oils from seeds and nuts either grown on the farm or sourced locally. I formed Oliver Oil Co in 2013."
Since you launched, what would you consider to be your most successful product?
"To date, we have made oil from eleven different seeds and nuts. The most popular have been the 2015 Good Food Award winning Pecan Oil, our estate grown Sunflower Oil, and the 2016 Good Food winner Green Peanut Oil. These oils were chosen as Garden and Gun's Made in the South Food category winner in 2015. Of our flours, the Pecan Flour has been the most popular."
What has been a true highlight of launching your business?
"There have been many highlights in launching this business. That special gratification that comes from seeing a dream come to fruition, accolades for our products, recognition from the state of GA for our innovation and bringing attention to our great state, but I am most proud of the fact that Valerie and I are able to work together every day at something we both enjoy."
I am most proud of the fact that Valerie and I are able to work together everyday at something we both enjoy.- Clay Oliver
Do you have any new products coming out soon? If so, can you give us a hint?
"We are now offering Pumpkin Seed Oil and Benne Seed Oil and their gluten free flours year round. I have also done a little with hemp seed oil and flour. I have not opened it up for retail sales, just some R and D to chefs."
Thank you, Clay, for sharing your story with Georgia Crafted!
You can order BOTH the Pecan Oil and Pecan Flour on our website! We will ship within 24 hours (inventory permitting)